Now, 74 years late, Granny Kath gets her medal
A SECOND World War Wren who did not claim a medal she was awarded because they were
“only for the men” has finally been presented with her gong.
Kathleen Blower, 96, served as a petty officer during the war but did not believe she should receive a medal at the end of the conflict.
When her granddaughter, Lisa Davidson, started to do some digging about her gran’s military career, she discovered not only was Mrs Blower eligible for a medal, she had been awarded one.
Now, almost 74 years after the end of the war, Mrs Blower has received her service medal during a ceremony yesterday at the Portsmouth care home where she lives. “I was extremely proud when I found out my grandmother served as a Navy Wren and it has been a privilege to organise this special day,” said Ms Davidson.
“I was looking at her records and noticed it mentioned about the award of a medal. When I questioned her about it, she suggested ‘it was only for the men who were fighting’.
“I got in touch with the Navy two years ago and they confirmed she had been awarded a medal. This was about ensuring she gets the recognition she deserves.”
Mrs Blower arrived in Portsmouth in 1943 to help with the war effort and was based at HMS Vernon. At the time she was Petty Officer Kathleen Hewitt, managing the naval stores and ensuring all servicemen were served their 11am ration of rum.
She said: “The men would start lining up outside the door at least an hour in advance and would get very grumpy if they didn’t get their daily rum. I saw many men leave but far fewer return.”
Royal Navy Commander Ben Keith, who presented Mrs Blower with her medal, said: “It is an honour to present Kathleen with her medal. It is also a recognition of the amazing sacrifices made by her generation.”
Mrs Blower also received a letter from the Queen thanking her for her service.